guide, check, and watch them, the smile never approve or welcome
them. To see her unconscious of their presence was too strange and
sad, and all were silent, till, as they left the room, Ethel looked
out at Blanche and Aubrey in the garden. "They will never remember
her! Oh! why should it be?"

Richard would fain have moralised and comforted, but she felt as if
she knew it all before, and heard with languid attention. She had
rather read than talk, and he sat down to write letters.

There were no near relations to be sent for. Dr. May was an only
son, and his wife's sister, Mrs. Arnott, was in New Zealand; her
brother had long been dead, and his widow, who lived in Edinburgh,
was scarcely known to the May family. Of friends there were many,
fast bound by affection and gratitude, and notes, inquiries,
condolences, and offers of service came in thickly, and gave much
occupation to Flora, Richard, and Alan Ernescliffe, in turn. No one
from without could do anything for them--they had all the help they
wanted in Miss Winter and in Alan, who was invaluable in sharing with
Richard the care of the doctor, as well as in giving him the benefit
of his few additional years' experience, and relieving him of some of
his tasks. He was indeed like one of themselves, and a most valuable
help and comforter. Mr. Wilmot gave them all the time he could, and
on this day saw the doctor, who seemed to find some solace in his
visit, though saying very little.

On this day the baby was to be baptized. The usual Stoneborough
fashion was to collect all the christenings for the month into one
Sunday, except those for such persons as thought themselves too
refined to see their children christened before the congregation, and